Small homes can still feel spacious with the right design approach. Whether you live in a flat, a terrace, or a compact cottage, clever choices can make your home feel lighter, brighter and far more open than it actually is.
We’re local architects who regularly work with homeowners to unlock the full potential of smaller spaces. Here are some of our favourite ways to make a home feel bigger without adding a single square metre.
1. Use Light and Colour to Your Advantage
Light colours on walls, ceilings, and floors can instantly lift a room and make it feel more open. Whites, soft greys, and pale neutrals reflect more light and create a sense of calm and continuity.
Glossy or satin finishes, mirrored surfaces, and strategically placed lighting also help bounce light around and reduce shadows, making even the smallest rooms feel brighter and airier.
2. Open Up the Layout
Removing unnecessary internal walls or reconfiguring rooms can dramatically change how a home feels. Open-plan layouts are great for improving flow and making shared spaces feel more connected.
If fully open-plan doesn’t suit your lifestyle, consider part walls, wide openings or sliding doors that still allow flexibility while creating the illusion of space.
3. Maximise Natural Light
Natural light plays a huge role in how spacious a room feels. Larger windows, rooflights or even glazed doors can help bring more daylight in, especially in darker corners of the home.
We can help assess your home’s orientation and find ways to introduce more natural light—without compromising on privacy or insulation.
4. Smart Storage, Minimal Clutter
Clutter makes rooms feel smaller, so clever storage is key. Built-in furniture that fits neatly into alcoves or awkward corners can make use of every inch. Think under-stair cupboards, floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, and window seat storage.
Choosing multi-functional furniture—like ottomans, fold-out desks or beds with drawers—also helps keep everyday items out of sight and the space feeling calm.
5. Keep It Cohesive
In small homes, too many contrasting finishes, colours or materials can make things feel busy and boxed in. A more consistent palette, simple shapes, and clean lines help the eye flow through a space without interruption.
Even small details like matching flooring throughout or repeating materials from one room to another can help tie everything together and make the whole home feel larger.
Need Help Making Your Home Feel Bigger?
We’re residential architects who specialise in thoughtful, well-planned design that helps you get the most from your space. If your home feels tight or cluttered, we can help you rework it—creating a home that feels lighter, brighter and better suited to how you live.
Got a project in mind? Let’s explore how to make your space feel bigger and work harder for you.
